Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Teens
Parents can often face a unique challenge during their child’s teenage years. You may be looking for ways to help your teen cope with their adolescence in a healthy way. If your teen is experiencing mental health issues, one approach you may want to consider is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Understanding ACT
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Teens?
Acceptance and commitment therapy for teenagers is based on the idea that thoughts and feelings don’t have to control your behavior. Instead, teens can choose how to act, even if their thoughts and emotions are uncomfortable. This is different from cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on recognizing negative thoughts and changing them. This kind of therapy can be a part of troubled teenager programs.
ACT for adolescents specifically helps them learn how to deal with the teenage years in a more productive way. The goal is to help teens accept the things they cannot change and commit to taking action in areas they can control.
Acceptance and commitment therapy can help with a variety of teen mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse.
ACT Benefits
Benefits of ACT for Teens
There are many benefits that acceptance and commitment therapy can bring for teens. One benefit is that it can help them learn to accept themselves for who they are. It can also help teens become more mindful of their thoughts and emotions, and learn to handle difficult situations. Lastly, ACT can help teens learn that negative experiences are a part of life but it’s how you respond to them that matters. This can help teens have a more positive outlook.
Principles of Teen ACT
6 Core Principles of Teen Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy is founded on six core principles that help teens develop psychological flexibility. These principles allow teens to focus on the big picture as they work through their emotions. The six core principles of ACT for teens are:
ACCEPTANCE
This principle involves helping teens learn to accept the things they cannot change and rather look to things they can control.
COGNITIVE DEFUSION
This principle helps teens learn to disassociate themselves from their thoughts. It helps them understand that thoughts are just thoughts and not facts.
BEING PRESENT
This principle involves learning mindfulness techniques to help your teen focus on the present rather than worry about the future.
THE OBSERVING SELF
This principle helps teens develop a more objective perspective of their thoughts and emotions, rather than judging them as good or bad.
VALUES
This principle helps your teen identify what is important to them and what they want to stand for in life. Then they can start making choices that align with these things.
COMMITTED ACTION
This principle helps your teen take action towards their goals. It involves setting plans and taking small steps to make progress.
Teen ACT by Key Healthcare
Teen Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Los Angeles, CA
Key Healthcare provides ACT for teenagers as a part of our teen treatment programs. Teens will participate in individual and teen group therapy sessions that utilize ACT to treat their mental health condition(s). In addition to our intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, we also offer a comprehensive residential treatment program for teens. To learn more about our extended care programs, contact us today.
Insurances We Accept
Up to 100% of the Costs Covered by Insurance
Key Healthcare works with a majority of health insurance providers and depending on your plan, 100% of the costs may be covered. Verify your insurance to get more information about your coverage.
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